In a heartbreaking twist that feels straight out of a holiday movie, longtime Hastings pastor Jim Bzoskie passed away just moments after doing what he did best — helping others.
The 76-year-old, who served as pastor at Cornerstone Bible Church in Hastings, Minnesota, had spent nearly five decades volunteering as a chaplain for the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. He led Bible studies for inmates every Tuesday and was known for showing up during life’s darkest moments — comforting families and officers after tragedies, from fatal crashes to the recent Burnsville first responder losses.
“Jim didn’t do this to pad his pocketbook — he did it because he had a big heart,” said Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko. “To not have him next to us… I couldn’t imagine.”
Last Friday, Pastor Jim was inside his church preparing Christmas gift bags for inmates when he saw a driver stuck in the snow. He rushed out to help free the car — his final act of kindness before collapsing, likely from a heart attack, his daughter Sarah Lindner said.
“He served right up to the bell,” Lindner said. “His last words were ‘Merry Christmas,’ and that’s so him. He’s having the best Christmas ever now.”
Bzoskie was also chaplain for the Hastings police and fire departments, a devoted Minnesota Wild season ticket holder, and a Minnesota State Fair regular who never missed a day.
Even in his final moments, he embodied the spirit of giving — a reminder that kindness, faith, and love can define a life right up to the very end.
Source: CBS News
Marvelous story!
Praise God for a blessed servant of the Lord who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving humankind.